It was a fun-filled and mouth-watering experience for me at the Cafe By The Ruins, Baguio City. For a more detailed blog post, please visit my food blog, Patikim Ako.
Lakwatserang Frog Eats @ Cafe By The Ruins
12 hours ago
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Lunch @ Cafe By The Ruins, Baguio City
It was a fun-filled and mouth-watering experience for me at the Cafe By The Ruins, Baguio City. For a more detailed blog post, please visit my food blog, Patikim Ako.Saturday, March 6, 2010
Revisiting the Baguio Cathedral for the Second Time
It was my second time to visit the Baguio Cathedral, or Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral, in Baguio City. The first time was when an officemate and his wife-to-be held their wedding there and brought the entire OP-ICTO people and friends in Baguio.
I was very glad to have visited this church again!
Next post: Cafe By The Ruins
Friday, March 5, 2010
Do You Know Where the Baguio Buddha Temple is?
For first timers like us, having the Lonely Planet Philippines 2009 in hand was very convenient. Thanks to Shigeo for bringing his travel book, we didn't get lost in Baguio City.
The Baguio Buddha Temple was indeed hard to find since it is located in the hidden corners of the city proper. You really won't notice its existence when you are along Session Road, the busiest road in the Summer Capital of the Philippines. Mind you, even most of the local people we asked for directions didn't even know what and where it is so we assumed that the temple has possibly been demolished. But still, our courage urged us to go further.
From Magsaysay St., we looked for Mabini St. because parallel to it is Assumption St. where the Baguio Buddha Temple stands. At the north end of the street, you will see the Saint Louis University. As you turn right, there you will see the temple, standing still and proud in the middle of Baguio's concrete forest.
The temple's gate is usually closed. All you have to do is ring the doorbell and ask for the Sisters' permission to enter and take photos. I loved to learn how to pray the Buddhist way but the Sister, as I presumed, was uber busy supervising the ongoing construction of the temple's roof.
After taking a few shots of the temple's interior, I sat down for a while and whispered my prayer in my own innocent way. As what Shigeo told me, "Wala namang tamang paraan ng pagdarasal, nasasaiyo na iyan kung paano ka makikipag-usap sa Kanya," or something to that effect.
The ambiance was very relaxing and solemn. You wouldn't want to cause any noise, even your own breath. There was a background music, the one we hear during meditations and as background music in Chinese movies. The last time I heard this kind of music was when I watched "Beautiful Boxer." Afterwards, we went to the temple's backyard. There I found this adorable altar with a little, lovely pond. We also discovered a giant statue of the Buddha, as huge as Rizal's monument at the Luneta or even larger.
It is an unforgettable holy experience for me because it was my first time to get inside and roam around a Buddhist temple. I will bring my friends here if given another chance to revisit Baguio.
If you are planning to visit the Baguio Buddha Temple in the future, please do not hesitate to ask me. And I will say, "Ito ang Tamang Daan."
Next post: Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral (Baguio Cathedral)
Thursday, March 4, 2010
My First Panagbenga Experience: Street Dancing Parade
February 27, 2010 was my first time to experience the Panagbenga Festival, also known as the Baguio Flower Festival. It was a Saturday and there was a street dancing parade where schools, local government units and agencies, private companies and other participants from neighboring towns and provinces come together to showcase their artistic prowess.
Fresh from the six-hour travel from Cubao, aboard Dagupan Bus Lines, Shigeo and I had our breakfast at Mcdonald's-SM Baguio at 7am then led our way to Session Road. It was difficult for us to find our spot where we could get perfect shots because the streets were crowded; so crowded that we could hardly walk.
The Big Crowd Waiting for the Parade to start @ 8am
We found our place under the extreme heat of the morning sun right in front of Pizza Volante, a few blocks away from Calderon St. Although the position was not good for taking photos, we had no choice because this was the only vacant section of the road. Next time, I will be coming as early as 6am and reserve a slot in front of Hotel Veniz near Burnham Park. Intersections are the most recommended place because the dance proper and gimmicks are performed on intersections where the judges are located.
Here are some photos to share with you the actual scenes of the Panagbenga Street Dancing Parade. How I wished I could climb those scaffoldings and capture the bests of the Panagbenga Festival.
While we were crossing Magsaysay St. using the overpass bridge.
The sun was really hot, perhaps due to the effects of El Niño; Baguio was super crowded; fast food chains and restaurants were all occupied; most of the streets were closed to give way for the parade; there was traffic - vehicular and human - everywhere; so we decided not to finish the parade and proceeded to the Baguio Buddha Temple, as suggested by Shigeo's travel book, Lonely Planet Philippines 2009. Having to spend only two days for this Baguio trip pressured us to use time wisely and never waste any single second.
Next post: Baguio Buddha Temple
Monday, March 1, 2010
The Red Shoes, A Movie Review
At first, I thought "The Red Shoes" was a foreign movie, based on the title. Pardon me for being so unaware. I just accepted the movie offer from a blogger friend without even conducting a background check. I was really surprised right on the very spot, while we were logging at the registration booth, that this is a Filipino-made movie.
However, while watching it and right after the open forum with Director Raul Jorolan and Scriptwriter James Ladioray, I found the movie really interesting because it has full of realizations and it gives meaning to life.
The Red Shoes is a story of a ten-year old boy named Lucas Munozca who in the evening of the 1986 People Power Revolution decided to steal a pair of red shoes from the First Lady's collection of 3,000 and gave it to the two most special ladies in his life.
The Red Shoes is a story of a ten-year old boy named Lucas Munozca who in the evening of the 1986 People Power Revolution decided to steal a pair of red shoes from the First Lady's collection of 3,000 and gave it to the two most special ladies in his life.That’s how the excitement begins. Put a Kapuso star and a Kapamilya luminary together and you get Kapares! The battle of the networks sizzles in a love-able way as GMA prime timer Marvin Agustin stars as Lucas who falls in love with tall, sosyal Bettina, played by ABS-CBN luminary Nikki Gil. Marvin and Nikki loved the script so much, they made time to match their schedules with each other. Together they take the audience on a merry chase of tumbling emotions and silly notions. And you’ll have to agree you’ve never seen love like this before. It is Marvin’s and Nikki’s first pairing and Nikki Gil’s first ever starring role.
The Red Shoes is a love story, plain and simple, but one set against an intriguing chapter of Philippine history. Produced by Unitel, the group that made the box office hit “Crying Ladies” which won Best Picture in the Metro Manila Film Festival of 2003, and "Santa Santita” ,which gave young star Angelica Panganiban her first big movie role, this is another breakthrough film with endearing wit and freshness.Watching TRS made me realized that true love really waits. That against all odds and atrocities in life, love will pave its way to the one who deserves it. The movie has lots of symbolism: "shoes and its colors" which depict our choices and decisions in life, "bridges" that show our relationship with the people and society, and the actors themselves, who let us see our own self in the shoes of the characters they portray in the story.
For me, The Red Shoes is a movie that is worth your time and money. Viewers will gain a deeper understanding of life, how to deal with it and how to make it meaningful for and with the ones you love. I rate this obra with a 9 (10 being the highest). Congratulations to all the staff, crew and cast for the job well done. Another world-class film from the Philippines, I may say.
The movie stars veteran actors and actresses such as Liza Lorena, Tessie Tomas, Tetchie Agbayani and Tirso Cruz III. Iwa Moto and Monica Llamas, two of the most promising young stars today, also did a great act in the film. The Red Shoes will be shown in local theaters on March 10, 2010.
To get pumped up by The Red Shoes, visit www.theredshoes.com.ph
Me, Mee-i, Sarah & Carl taking pic while Director Raul Jorolan is having an interview with the media (Thanks for the photo, Iris of PinayAds)
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Special thanks to Unitel Productions & Ms. Guia Gonzales, Project Development Manager of Unico Entertainment. I also would like to thank Monique for giving her movie pass to me, since she was very busy accomplishing all her tasks before she flew to SG a couple of days ago, and to Mee-i for the warm company (including the time pressure, no fx ride because it's rush hour, traffic, taxi-ngit moment and eskapo-agad-after). Hehehe!
Monday, February 22, 2010
In A Relationship ♥
I know it's cheesy, but yes, I am now in a relationship!
Continue reading...
At long last, Yobs and I are officially "ON" after four years of being "just friends." I consider him as my bestfriend and have taken good care of our special friendship which all started in 2006.
I hope and pray that now that we have stepped up to the next level, our friendship will grow stronger and love deeper. 
We've been through a lot - good and bad, happy and sad, but we're still here. The friendship remains. I wish that this love of ours will last a lifetime.
I am just so thankful that I have found the man who is always willing to give and is mature enough to understand my insanity and childishness; someone who can ride with my trips, a guy who listens when I talk, loves the people I love, discovers new things with me, and helps me become a better person in each passing time ♥
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Belle de Jour 2010 Planner is Love
I am so happy with my new Belle de Jour 2010 Planner, which I got as a freebie during The White Hat Event last February 6. Now, I can fix my schedule, remember special events, jot down important notes and keep travel memoirs using my BDJ Planner!Thanks a lot to TWH, Ms. Candy and BDJ! I love it so much! *wink*
For online purchasing, you can click here.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
The Ateneo Blue Eagles Supports The White Hat and AHON Foundation
A blogger friend invited me to attend The White Hat Event featuring the Ateneo Blue Eagles and knowing that this would be an advocacy event, I never had second thought and I confirmed.
Side note: Also at the event was the ever famous basketball legend, Mr. Norman Black.
Continue reading...
Every month, The White Hat, through its "Celebrity for Charity" project, selects an individual, a group or an organization as its partner-for-a-day in helping enhance our people's lives, especially those who are in the marginalized, underprivileged and poor sector of society.
February 13, 2010 - The Ateneo Blue Eagles was chosen to be the celebrity team to help raise funds for the Filipino public school students by selling and serving authentic Italian frozen yogurt at TWH Store-Shangri-La Mall from 1-5pm.
For every single receipt of purchase, TWH customers had the opportunity to take pictures with the hearthrob and hunky basketball players of Ateneo on the fab wall. There was also a silent auction where autographed exclusive items from the Eagles (Back2Back Championship poster & Adidas basketball) and previously owned apparel from Chris Tiu have been offered for bidding.
The most important thing here is that The White Hat pledged to donate half of the day’s sales to the Acts of Hope for the Nation (AHON) Foundation. The proceeds will be used to bring more books to children and build more libraries for public schools to increase literacy rate.
I laud TWH, the Ateneo Blue Eagles and AHON Foundation for being able to share what they have with the less fortunate Filipinos. I hope that more and more Filipinos would be aware of and concerned about our present national condition. If only we would work together, without expecting something in return, the Philippines and the world will definitely be a better place for all of us.
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On a lighter mode, can somebody tell me what the name of this Atenean cutie with me is? I seriously think that we're soulmates! I crush him... *beautiful eyes* Hahaha!
Side note: Also at the event was the ever famous basketball legend, Mr. Norman Black.Unilab Run United for Wellness: An Event for the Whole Family
February 13, 2010 - The Organizing Committee of the Unilab Run United for Wellness held a bloggers' press briefing at Cafe Juanita, Global City, Taguig. This was to orient and inform the members of the new media of the latest and most relevant health and wellness event for the family, with running as the core activity.
The Unilab Run United for Wellness will be on March 7, 2010, Sunday at the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Manila.
The Run has four (4) categories for adults: 3k, 5k, 10k, and 21k, while there will be a 500-meter dash for kids to participate in. The event's main objective is to promote healthy lifestyle by encouraging people of different ages to get involve in running.
Coach Rio while conducting the press briefing
According to Coach Rio, the Unilab Run is not just a venue for running because there will also be a Unilab Wellness Village where family members can have free consultations with running coaches and fitness experts. The Wellness Village will be divided into health zones: men’s health, women’s health, children’s health, seniors’ health and general adults’ health to cater to the specific needs of each family member. Aside from free consultations, the health zones also have interactive games and activities that family members can enjoy.
For those who are interested to join, you can register online at the Unilab Run United for Wellness' website until February 15 or through in-store registration at Runnr store at
Cash prizes, Unilab gift packs and New Balance gift certificates worth P5,000 await the top finishers in all categories, while finishers in the 21-km category will receive a finisher’s medal. The first 1,000 finishers in the 21K can also bring home a finisher’s shirt.
Before we bid goodbye and thank you to the organizing committee, we took the chance to take photos with Coach Rio who at the age of 11 has already realized the benefits, enjoyment and essence of running.
We left Cafe Juanita full of inspiration and looking forward to joining the team and other runners on March 7. Hope to see you there, guys!
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Unilab Run United for Wellness is brought to you by Unilab, the country’s largest and leading pharmaceutical and healthcare company that’s behind trusted brands like Alaxan, Ceelin, Enervon, Myra E, Skelan, and Solmux, among many others.
Organized by Finishline and renowned running coach Rio Dela Cruz, Unilab Run United for Wellness is undertaken for the benefit of Children’s Hour and K.I.D.S. Foundation.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Musicfest 2010 with Boyce Avenue, the Jabbawockeez & Kris Allen
Last Saturday, February 6, 2010, 8pm, blogger friend Mee-i and I had the chance to watch the concert of the Boyce Avenue, the Jabbawockeez and Kris Allen in Mckinley Hills Open Grounds, The Fort in Taguig City. To tell you honestly, it was my first time to witness a live concert in my 20+ years and I really enjoyed it!
Here are some information to feed your curiousity about the boy band, Boyce Avenue. With their humble beginnings in Florida, acoustic-rock band Boyce Avenue succeeded in crossing over to the mainstream from YouTube (accumulating 90 million hits, making Boyce Avenue one of the top eight YouTube artists of all time) to conquer the worlds of music both online and offline. The three brothers are responsible for famous covers of hit songs including “Umbrella,” “Apologize,” “Hate That I Love You,” and “With You.”
While the California-based hiphop group Jabbawockeez, after gaining worldwide recognition by winning the first season of America’s Best Dance Crew, triumphantly invaded the entertainment scene. With a long list of appearances in award shows, live events, TV programs and music videos, Jabbawockeez set the bar high for street dancers everywhere. And to take note, majority of its members are Filipino. They make the Philippines proud and I admire them.
Girls were screaming like crazy while watching the show. I was stunned by the performances and appreciated the consistent applauds and shouts from the expecting crowd.
The only thing I got disappointed with was that my DSLR battery was confiscated because according to the marshals assigned at the Bronze entrance, cameras were not allowed inside. I had no choice but to surrender the battery for us to be able to get inside. The worst part was I saw some people freely and fully enjoying the clicks of their cameras while the artists were performing. Thank God Mee-i got the courage to hide her dgcam in her bag before it was too late; she was able to take some snap shots of the concert (refer to the photos of the Jabbawockeez & Kris Allen above) and of us - the super happy us - below.
The concert ended at exactly 12am and we arrived home safe and sound. It was indeed a wonderful night!
Special thanks to our good friend Iris for the free concert tickets and Mee-i for the concert photos! Also to Metrocardclub.com, Channel [V] Philippines, GMA 7, Fearless Productions, and PLDT MyDSL Watchpad for bringing together three artists in this massive Musicfest 2010, and to Nuffnang Philippines for the information feed. More power to all of you!
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